Charging-switch.



W. S. HENRY. CHARGING SWITCH. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1s, 190s,

@@yqg@ Patented July 26, 1.910.

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W. S. HENRY.

GHARGING SWITCH.

APPLIUATION FILED JUNE 1e, 1909.

965,456. Patented July 26, 1910.

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GHARGING SWITCH.

APPLIGATION rum JUNE 16, 1909.

Patented July 26, 19W.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM S. HENRY, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL RAILWAY SIGNAL COMPANY, OF GATES, VNEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

CHARGING-SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 26, 1910.

Application filed June 16, 1909. Serial No. 502,646.

To all 'whom it may concern:

Be itkuown that I, VILLiAM S. HENRY, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and Statev of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Charging- Switches, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to charging switches, and the object is to produce a device for changing the circuits of two or more storage-batteries, so that when one battery is being charged the other is adapted to discharge, and vice versa, and also comprises means for preventing interruption of the current from the charging generator while the circuits are being changed.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a top plan view of a charging switch constructed in accordance with this invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a front elevation; and Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8'are diagrams illustrating the diiferent positions of the device.

The device has a base 1', with upright ends 2 and 2a. The latter revolubly support a shaft 3 that carries a drum or cylinder 4 of nonconducting material, such as fiber or hard rubber. The shaft 3 carriesl outside the support 2 a crank 5, by which it may be revolved. In the present instance said crank is adapted to move through 180 degrees, and may be stopped'and retained at any one of four points that are degrees apart. The means for retaining the crank 5 in the desired position consists of a spring-,pressed pin 6 in its outer end that is adapted to engage one of a series of sockets 7, 8, 9 and 10 in-the support 2. The sockets are of the.

proper depth to hold the pin 6 from lateral movement exceptv when pressure is applied to the crank 5 for the purpose of moving it to another position.

Extending between the frame ends 2 and 2, and fixed thereto, is a plate 11 of nonconducting material, to which are fixed a series of brushes that touch the cylinder 4 oneach side. The brushes on one side of the cylinder 4 are designated in the drawings by the numerals 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, and on the other side by thenumerals 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. The latter set are invisible in Fids. 1v to 4, but are indicated diagrammaticay in the remaining figures.

On the surface of the cylinder 4 are conductors that are respectively adapted to contact with the aforesaid brushes when said cylinder occupies certain definite positions, thereby making certain circuits. Said `conductors are herewith shown as curved metal plates 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31, of various appropriate lengths and widths.

In Figs. 5 to 8 inclusive, the cylinder 4 is represented as it would appear if developed or projected on a flat surface. Here G indirates a source of electrical energy, such as a dynamo, A and B are secondary batteries, and S is a signal adapted to be operated by energy from either of the batteries Aor B. These Figs. 5 to 8 inclusive show, respectively, the positions of the brushes with respect to the conductors on the surface of the cylinder 4 at the four points indicated in Fig. 4, and the arrows indicate the direction in which the switch is rotated in passing successively from socket 7 to socket 10 (Fig. 4).

In the position of the cylinder- 4 that is indicated in Fig. 5 (which is also the position in which it is shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive), the brushes 16 and 17 rest on the conductor 30, and the brushes 13 and 15 on the conductor 31. A circuit through the generator G and the battery A is then com-v plete, and the latter is charged. Said circuit is: from generator G, through line Wire 32, brush 16, conductor 30, brush 17, wire 33, battery A, wire 34, brush 13, conductor 31, brush 15, wire 35, back to G. At the same time a circuit from the charged battery B is closed through the signal S, or will be whenever the signal is operated. This latter circuit is: from battery B, through wire 36, brush 20, conductor 27, brush 19, wire 37, signal S, wire 38, brush 25, conductor 26, brush 24, and wire 39, back to battery B. Thus one battery is being charged while the other is discharging. If the crank 5 is swung to the socket 8, thereby turning the cylinder 4 through one-sixth of a revolution, the relative positions of the conductors and brushes are changed. The parts then stand as represented in Fig. 6. At this time the circuit through the signal S and battery B remains unchanged, but the conductors 31 and 30 have moved beyond the brushes 13, 15, 16 and 17. As the brushes 15 and 16 `rest on the conductor 28, current from the generator G flows over the wire 32, through the brush 16, conductor 28, and brush 15, returning through the line wire 35, in which may be a number of batterles at other line stations through which the current must pass before reaching the generator again. The latter therefore 1s not short-circuited.

Note that the generator-current is not interrupted in moving the crank 5 from the socket 7 to the socket 8, because the generator is shunted through the battery A till the latter is completely cut out. This is accomplished by having sections 3()a and 31a of the conductors 30 and 3l, respectively, extend beyond sections 28, 28a, so that in passing from the conductor 30 to the conductor 28 the brush 16 contacts` with both the conductors 30 and 28 in the intermediate positions, and the brush 15 in the same way with both the conductors 31 and 28. When the switch is moved in the opposite direction (from the socket 8 to the socket 7), the same gradual change is made from one circuit to the other without interrupting lthe current.

When the crank 5 has been moved from the socket 8 tothe socket 9, the relative positions of the vparts are those shown in Fig. 7. The current from the generator Gr 1s still cut ott from both batteries A and B, and battery A is thrown into circuit with the signal S, the current owing from said battery as follows: Wire 33, brush 17, conductor 26, brush 18, wire 38, signal S, wire 37, brush 12, conductor 27, brush 13, and wire 34. In this position the brushes 23 and 2,2 which are connected, respectively, with the generator wire 32 and the line Wire 35 are both in contact with the conductor 29, so that the generator is in theline wire circuit. Finally, when the crank 5 has been turned to the socket 10, the parts have the relative positions shown in Fig. 8. Here the circuit for operating the signal S by the battery A is still closed, as in the preceding position, but the generator is connected to battery B to charge it, and current Hows through the Wire 32 to brush 23, through conductor 30, brush 24, wire 39, battery B, wire 3G, brush 20, conductor 31, brush 22, and back to the generator through wire 35. As in the former case, the circuit through the battery Bl is made before the generator is completely cut out, for the current will for atime ow through the wires 32 and 35, as well as through the battery B, thus preventing a sudden change andinterruption of the current. In this case it is accomplished A by means of sections 29a, 29a (Fig. 7) that extendbeyond sections 30b and 31b4 (Fig. 7), so that the brushes 22' and 23 in passing from the positions shown inV Fig. 7 to those shown in Fig. 8 are still in contact with the conductor 28 when they first engage, respectively, .with the conductors 30 and-3l. Obviously, when the switch is moved in the reverse direction (from the socket 10 to the socket 9), the same gradual change is made from one circuit to the other.

It should be observed that as the lever 5 of the switch is rotated back and forth from one extreme position to the other, the batteries A and B are not only alternately charged and discharged, but that there are intermediate positions of the switch in which the batteries are, respectively, cut ott from both the charging-circuit and the dischai'gingciicuit. Thus, the battery A is cut of from both the charging-circuit and the dischurging-circuit when the lever 5 is at the socket 8 (in which case the battery B is 'in the discharging-circuit), and the battery B is cut ott' trom both said circuits when the lever 5 isat. the socket 9 (in which case the battery A is in the discharging-circuit). Accordingly it is Vpossible to charge both batteries A and B for use, and then utilize the current of the charging circuit for other pur oses, while nthe batteries A and B are disc iarging one after the other. One of the batteries is always in the discharging circuit.

In order that the batteries A and B may not be placed on short-circuit during the change in their circuit connections, resistances R and R are provided with the extensions 31c and 31d. Take, for example, the case of the battery B. Vhen the brushes 22 and 23 are, respectively, in position to join the contact strips 29a, 30", and 31", 29, the brush 21 will be in contact with the strip 31C. In this position of the brushes, a circuit will be established which may be traced as fo'llows: from the battery B, wire 36, resistance R, brush 21, conductor 31, brush 22, conductor 29, brush 23, conductor 30, brush 24, wire 39 back to the battery. Except for the fact that this resistance R is introduced into the battery circuit while the brushes 22 and 23 are passing from the conductor 29 to the conductors 30 and 31, and vice versa, the battery would be short-circuited, for if the brush 2O came in contact with the conductor at the same time that the brushes 22, 23 and 24 come in contact with the conductors 30 and 31, a circuit would be completed through the wire 36, brush 20, conductor 31, brush 22, conductor 29,'brush 23, conductor 30, brush 24, and Wire 39. In the same vway the resistance R prevents a short-circuit of the battery eeafrfse rotary drum engaging iiXed contacts or brushes, and while such construction is preterable because ot its compactness and simplicity, it will be obvious that my invention is not limited to such a form and arrangement of parts, and in the following claims, except where they are specifically limited in this respect, I do not intend to restrict my invention to the specific construction of the illustrated embodiment hereinbefore de scribed.

What I claim is 1. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets of stationary contacts connected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; and a movable member having conductors coperatin with the stationary contacts and constructed and arranged to engage and connect, in one position of the movable member, one set of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts and the other set of battery contacts with the discharge circuit, in a second position, the battery contacts last mentioned with the charging circuit and the battery contacts first mentioned with the discharge circuit, and in a third position and a fourth position, to engage and connect the charging circuit contacts with each other and connect, in one case, one set of battery-contacts, and in the other case the other set of battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts; substantially as shown and described.

2. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets ot stationary ycontacts connected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; and a rotary drum having two conducting plates cooperating with some of the stationary contacts, the conducting plates being formed and arranged to engage and connect, in one position of the drum, one set of battery con tacts with the discharge circuit contacts and to disconnect the other set of battery contacts and the discharge circuit, and in another position of the drum to disconnect the battery contacts first mentioned from the discharge circuit contacts and to connect the second set ot battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts; substantially as shown and described.

8. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets ot stationary contacts connected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; a rotary nonconducting drum; a pair of conducting plates mounted on the drum and engaging the fixed contacts, the plates being formed and arranged to engage and connect, in one position ot the drum, one set ot battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts, and, in another position of the drum, to engage and connect the other set ot battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts; and a second pair of conducting plates mounted on the drum, and formed and arranged to engage and connect either set of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts when the other battery contacts are connected with the discharge circuit by the first mentioned pair ot' conducting plates; substantially as shown and described.

4. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets ogt stationary contacts connected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; a movable part having conductors provided with a series of conducting surfaces cooperating with the fixed contacts. the con ductors being Jformed and arranged so that in one position ot the movable part one pair of conducting surfaces engages and connects one set of battery contacts with the dis charge circuit contacts and disconnects the other battery contacts therefrom, and, in another position of the movable part, disconnects the battery contacts first mentioned from the discharge circuit. contacts and connects the other battery contacts therewith; means controlled by the movable part for connecting the sets of battery contacts alternatively with the charging circuit contacts; said conductors haring a second pair oi conductingsurtaces coperating with the contacts of the charging circuit, and operating to engage said contacts and close the charging circuit when neither set ot battery contacts is connected with it: substantially as shown and described In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries. and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets oit stationary contacts connected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge cir`- cuit; a movable member having conductors provided with a series of conducting sur-, faces coperating with the fixed contacts, said conducting surfaces being so formed and arranged that, in one position ot the movable member, one pair ot' conducting surfaces engages and connects one -set of battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts and disconnects the other battery contacts therefrom, and, in a second position of the movable member, said pair of conducting surfaces disconnects the battery contacts first mentioned from the discharge circuit contacts and connects the other battery contacts therewith; lsaid conductors ith? having a secondl pair of conducting surfaces formed and arranged to engage one set of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts ina third position of the movable member, and to connect the other battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts in a fourth posit-ion of the movable member; and means controlled by the movable member, and operating to engage the charging circuit contacts and close the charging circuit when neither set of battery contacts is connected therewith; substantially as shown and described.

6. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets of stationary contacts connected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge. circuit; a rotary nonconductiiig drum; a pair of conducting plates mounted on the drum, and cooperating with the fixed contacts, said plates being formed and arrangedto eigage and connect one set of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts in one position of the drum, and to engage and connect the other battery contacts with the charging cii'- cuit contacts in another position of the drum; and a second pairf of conducting plates mounted on the drum, and formed and arranged to engage the charging circuit contacts aiid close the charging circuit in intermediate positions of the first mentioned conducting plates; substantially as shown and describe 7. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a. charging switch comprising sets of stationary contacts connected, respectively, with Ithe charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; a movable member having conductors provided with a series of conducting surfaces coperating with the fixed contacts, said conducting surfaces being so formed and arranged that, in one position of the movable member, they engage and connect one set of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts and the other battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts, in a second position connect the latter set of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts and the first mentioned battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts, and in a third and fourth position of the movable member connect, in one case, one set of battery contacts, and, in the other case, the other battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts, said conducting surfaces being also so formed and arranged that they always engage the charging circuit contacts and always engage and connect one or the other set of battery contacts and the discharge circuit contacts.; substantially as shown and described.

8. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage` batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets of stationary contacts connected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; a movable member having conductors provided with a series of conducting surfaces coperating with the fixed contacts, the conducting surfaces being so formed and arranged that, in one position of the movable member, they engage and' connect one set of battery contact-s with the charging circuit contacts and the other battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts, in another position of the movable member engage and connect the last mentioned battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts and the first mentioned battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts, and in a third and fourth position ofthe movable member engage and connect the charging circuit contacts to close the charging circuit and engage and connect, in one case, one set of battery contacts, and, in the other case, the other set of battery cont-acts with the discharge circuit contacts, said conducting surfaces also extending beyond one another so that the charging circuit is never broken and the discharge circuit contacts are always connected with one or the other set of battery contacts while the movable member is moved from one of said positions to another; substantially as shown and described.

9. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets of stationary contacts connected, respectively, with the charofing circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; a movable member having conductors provided with a series of conducting surfaces coperating with the fixed contacts, said conducting surfaces being so formed and arranged that, in one position of the movable member, they connect one set of battery contacts with the discharge circuit contacts and disconnect the other battery contacts therefrom, and in a second position of the movable member disconnect the battery contacts first mentioned from the discharge circuit contacts and connect the other battery contacts therewith, the conductin surfaces being also so formed and arrange with relation to the fixed contacts that they always engage and connect the discharge circuit contacts and at least one -set of batter contacts as the movable member is move from one position to the other; substantially as shown and described.

10. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and la discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising a nonconducting rotary drum;

means for rotating the drum into a plurality of definite positions; two setsof fixed contacts arranged in pairs, one contact of each pair being on either side of the drum4 and the several pairs of fixed contacts being connected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; a pair of conducting plates mounted on the drum and co erating with the fixed contacts, said conductlng plates being formed and arranged so as to engage and connect one pair of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts in one position of the drum, and, in another position of the drum, to connect the otherv pair of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts; and a second pair of conducting plates mounted on the drum, and formed and arranged to engage the charging circuit contacts and close the charging circuit in intermediate positions of the drum, said conducting plates extending beyond one another so that the charging cir-l .cuit contacts are never disengaged and the charging` circuit is never broken; substantially as show n and described.

11. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising a nonconducting rotary. drum;

means for rotating .the drum into a plurlity of deinite positions; two sets of fixed contacts arranged in pairs, one Contact of each pair being on either side of the drum and the several pairs of ixed contacts being honnected, respectively, with the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; a pair of conducting plates mounted on the drum, and coperating with the ixed contacts, said conducting plates being formed and arranged so as to engage and connect one pair ot battery contacts 'with the charging circuit contacts in one position ot' the drum, and, in another position of the drum, to connect the other pair ot' battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts; and a second pai-r of conducting plates mounted on the drum, and formed and arranged to engage the charging circuit contacts and close the charging circuit in intermediate positions of the drum, the adjacent conducting plates of the two pairs having portions extending beyond each other so as to be engaged simultaneously by the charging circuit contacts While the drum is rotated from one position to another; substantially as shown and described.

12. In combination with a charging circuit, two separate storage batteries, and a discharge circuit; a charging switch comprising sets of stationary contacts connected, respectively, with 'the charging circuit, the storage batteries, and the discharge circuit; a movable member having conductors provided with a pair of conducting surfaces cooperating with the fixed contacts, said conducting surfaces being formed and arranged to engage and connect one set of battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts in one position of the movable member, and, in another position of the movable member, to connect the other battery contacts with the charging circuit contacts; a second pair of conducting surfaces formed and arranged to engage the charging circuit contacts and close the charging circuit in intermediate positions of the movable member, the adjacent conducting surfaces of the two Vpairs having portions extending beyond each other so as to be engaged simultaneously by the charging circuit contacts while the movable member is moving from one position to the other; and means 'for introducing resistance into each battery circuit during the movement of the movabie member through said intermediate positions; substantially as shown and'described.

"WILLAii/l S. HENRY.

Witnesses:

F. L. DoDGsoN, S. C. SARGENT. 

